The announcement came during a ceremony at Wagner High School on Monday, May 11, where senior forward Ashlyn Koupal was presented with the 2026 Miss Basketball award, a title determined by a vote of the state's girls basketball coaches.
Koupal closes her high school career as the all‑time leading scorer in Wagner history, having amassed 2,610 points and 1,210 rebounds, numbers that have helped the Red Raiders reach the Class A state tournament four times in the past five years.
Her senior season was especially dominant, as she averaged 28.3 points per game and earned a fourth consecutive Class A all‑state selection, a fifth all‑conference honor, and repeated state tournament all‑star recognition.
The award, presented by Hansen Anderson Basketball, reflects not only individual excellence but also the influence of a program that has consistently competed at the highest level of South Dakota high school basketball.
Other finalists for the honor included Addison Neuendorf, Alyvia Padgett, Ashlan Carlow‑Blunt and Sydney Terveen, each of whom also enjoyed standout seasons that highlighted the depth of talent across the state.
Koupal will continue her basketball career at the University of Nebraska, where she arrives as a McDonald's High School All‑American and a highly anticipated addition to the Cornhuskers' roster.
Beyond the statistics, her leadership has been credited with fostering a culture of resilience and teamwork at Wagner, a small town whose basketball tradition stretches back decades.
A milestone in a storied career
The recognition underscores a broader narrative of excellence that extends beyond individual statistics, reflecting the dedication of coaches, families, and the community that have supported Koupal's journey.
Hansen Anderson Basketball's annual publication, which spotlights top teams and players from across South Dakota, highlighted Koupal's achievements alongside those of other elite prospects, cementing her place in the state's basketball lore.